Power Chains Help!!

[Assila97]

I got braces because mainly one of the two upper middle teeth is slightly protruding out.There's not much work to be done.It has been 6 months now and yesterday the dentist took a look and said "Your teeth are pretty straight now" and proceeded to tighten my braces. But when I looked into the mirror, after leaving, I realised that I got Powerchains on! I didn't know the function of powerchains and assumed that they are stronger braces to straighten teeth better.

After googling it up, I read that powerchains are mainly used to close up gaps and is commonly the *last step* in braces. The problem is.. I don't think my teeth are completely straight! I feel that the tooth is slightly protruding outwards.It might seem straight to strangers but not to me. I'm afraid that my braces will be removed with disappointing results. Braces are just so expensive.

Would you guys answer this for me? : Do powerchains ONLY close in gaps or do they have a role to play in straightening teeth? Since they have enough strength to close gaps, surely they are able to straighten as well, right?

If not, is it possible to revert back to no-powerchains if I tell my dentist what I think? Besides I'm only 6 months in, it wouldn't cause any problems, would it?

Thank you!!

[EllenR]

Hello.
Well, the only reason I know of is that power chains close gaps and they keep the teeth together for a while to make sure the gaps are gone

Why would you need power chains? The most common reason is to close a gap between your teeth. Power chains apply extra force and help move your teeth faster. If your treatment includes extractions, then power chains will probably be in your future. Sometimes your orthodontist may keep the power chains on, even after the gap has closed. This is to ensure that the gap remains closed for the balance of your orthodontic treatment.

Source: http://www.archwired.com/power_chains.htm

If you had gaps, maybe he wants to make sure your gaps are totally closed. But if you had no gaps, then I'm sorry I don't have any information on that

[sandiego88]

I got power chains approx 6 months in too. my teeth were super crowded when I first started, but once I got to the thicker wires I actually started to get gaps between my teeth. When that happened I got power chains on the top. Right now I'm like 13 months in and I've developed a gap on my bottom teeth - never had once before - expecting power chains at my next visit.

To answer your question, even though I had power chains on top since 6 months, my ortho has made changes to my top teeth every time since. The power chain just keeps it together so you don't develop gaps. When I first starting getting gaps, the assistant said it was common with the rectangular wires.

[friendlyturtle]

For me I had wireties that caused my teeth to move apart, but become straight. During my last appointment my orthodontist fitted me with a power chain to close up the gaps formed by the wire tires.

For your case, I suspect that your orthodontist is using a power chain to keep all the teeth together while he gets the slight movement he needs. As for your concerns, please do bring it up with your orthodontist. After all, you're the one paying for treatment.